THYROID PROB

[prem70]

I have multinodular thyroid on my left throat.  I also have a crackling noise on the left ear when i swallow...do not know if it is associated with my thryoid or not. Do i need to see the ENT for my ears or just remove the THRYOID

[Barb135]

The crackling noise you note is quite common with those of us who have thyroid conditions.  There's usually no need to remove the thyroid, unless there's a problem more serious than the multiple nodules, since nodules are also very common with those of us with thyroid conditions.  

It would be helpful if you could tell us whether or not you've been tested for Hashimoto's or Graves Disease, which are  autoimmune thyroid conditions - both of which, eventually destroy the thyroid.  

Graves Disease is associated with over active thyroid, meaning the thyroid produces too much thyroid hormones, making one hyperthyroid.  Common symptoms include fatigue, rapid weight loss, diarrhea, heat intolerance, rapid heart rate, heart palpitations, mood swings, irritability, anxiety, depression, etc.

Hashimoto's is associated with under active thyroid, meaning that the thyroid produces too little thyroid hormones, making one hypothyroid.  Common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, constipation, cold intolerance, hair loss, muscle/joint aches/pains, anxiety, depression, heart palpitations, etc.  

There are many more symptoms for each and some symptoms can apply to either, such as fatigue, anxiety, depression, heart palpitations, etc.  It's necessary to have antibody tests done to determine which, if either of these conditions you might have.

For Hashimoto's, the tests you need are Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOab) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb).  Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulin (TSI) is the definitive test for Graves.  Some people with Hashimoto's have periods of hyperthyroidism in the early stages and may swing from hyper to hypo before finally settling into hypo. It's also possible to have, both, Hashimoto's and Graves at the same time, with one or the other dominant at a given time.

In addition, you should have been tested for thyroid hormones, Free T4 and Free T3.  You might also have been tested for TSH... If you have results for those tests, it would be helpful if you could post the results and their corresponding reference ranges so we can see your current thyroid status.

All of that said - it still wouldn't hurt to see the ENT to rule out ear issues; I have multi-nodular goiter (swollen thyroid) AND have had ear issues.  Sometimes, the noise/crackling I hear is related to swallowing and other times it's been related to my ears. Sometimes, the noise I have changes to more of a "clicking" sound.  The ENT can separate the issues for you.